Natchez Trace Parkway

Built in 1848, this monument commemorates the life of Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery. Lewis died near the monument while traveling the Natchez Trace in 1809. Though questions exist, most historians believe Lewis died of suicide.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace," a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy a scenic drive as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.
Map showing location of park.
A large dump truck and backhoe sit side by side on what was once a two lane road that is now dug down to the dirt level below the road. Deep tire and tractor tracks cover the dirt road bed. The outline of the backhoe operator in a grey shirt is visible in
Natchez Trace Parkway to close in Choctaw and Webster counties (Milepost 181 – 204)
On Monday, June 9 at 2 p.m., the National Park Service will close Natchez Trace Parkway from Mississippi Highway 413 (MP 181) to U.S. Highway 82 (MP 204) in Choctaw and Webster counties in Mississippi. The last night to camp at Jeff Busby campground is Sunday, June 8.
An empty two lane road curves in the shape of the number three. The road is lined with short green grass and tall green trees that are just beginning to show signs of fall with scattered yellow and copper foliage on the left side of the road.
Natchez Trace Parkway encourages motorcycle riders to travel safely: “Different Road, Different Ride” 
As warmer temperatures return and motorcycle riders take to the scenic byways of the South, the Natchez Trace Parkway is joining the National Park Service’s “Different Road, Different Ride” campaign this May to highlight motorcycle safety during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Large barrier with orange and white stripes and road closed sign attached completely blocking two lane road.
Nighttime closures to take effect on ramps to I-55 and Natchez Trace Parkway
On March 4, 2025, the National Park Service will begin mill and overlay asphalt repair work on the ramps from Natchez Trace Parkway to Interstate Highway 55 resulting in nightly closures. Closures will occur from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. as work progresses, starting with the north bound on-ramp the evening of Tuesday, March 4.
the entrance to a narrow paved trail meanders in the distance with short green grass in the foreground.
Sections of Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail to close for rehabilitation
On February 10, 2025, the National Park Service will begin rehabilitation work on the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Four separate sections of the trail will close as work progresses.
A diamond shaped orange road sign that reads "prescribed burn do not report" stands in the mowed grass along the edge of a two lane paved road. A tall tan smoke plume is visible in the partly clouded blue sky. Smaller smoke clouds hover at the trees.
Natchez Trace Parkway to conduct prescribed fires
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires along Natchez Trace Parkway beginning January 22. Weather permitting, fire operations will occur throughout the months of February and March.
A slightly curvy section of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Early Fall
Photo by NPS Photo
View of the Double Arch Bridge from Birdsong Hollow
Photo by NPS Photo
Mount Locust Historic House
Photo by NPS Photo
A foggy section of the Old Trace in autumn
Photo by NPS Photo